Excursion Medieval pharmacy tradition tour at Tallinn

Explore one of the finest medieval old towns in all of Northern Europe and the oldest pharmacy during this half-day tour.

Enjoy the view from your coach as you pass the old town wall with its towers from the 13th to 15th centuries and step down at Nunne Street, opposite the railway station. Enter the Old Town through the gates, which were made into the city wall at the end of the 19th century in order to shorten the route to the railway station.

Old Town Walking Tour

On the other side of the wall, see 3 towers with peculiar names (Nun, Sauna and Golden Leg) attached to the wall and the building of the former St. Michael's Convent, now the Gustav Adolf Gymnasium (founded in 1631). Pass the Church of the Transfiguration of Our Lord and continue walking to old guild houses and the outside visit of Church of Holy Spirit with its timepiece. Through the narrowest and shortest lane of down town, White Bread Passage, enter the Town Hall Square. Here, beside the medieval Town Hall (1404) the old apothecary´s shop, Raeapteek, which is the oldest continuously operating pharmacy in Europe (1422).

Europe's Oldest Pharmacy

Learn more about Raeapteek and its fame during a short tour on the premises. Although the pharmacy has undergone some changes, its medieval atmosphere still exists. Beside modern medicines, one can buy also traditional ones: the famous house wine Claret, marzipan, tinctures, ointments, oils and herb teas. In the basement work-shop, taste Raeapteek´s famous claret, followed by a presentation on Estonian herbs while you touch and smell their distinction. The visit will end with a tasting of some herbal teas.

After your visit to the pharmacy, walk to the Catherine's Passage lined with handicraft workshops, and Müürivahe Lane with the street market of wool and linen products.

Before re-joining your coach and the drive to the port, some free time is available for shopping or browsing.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Old Town, Churches, Towers, Guild Houses, White Bread and Catherine's Passage, Town Hall Square, Raeapteek Pharmacy, Tea-Tasting, Müürivahe Lane, Shopping

Note

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking 1.2 miles (1.9 kilometres), over uneven surfaces and cobblestone streets, with several stairs to negotiate in the pharmacy. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. We suggest you wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water from the ship. The tour sequence may vary.